Economic engine

University of Massachusetts researcher George Huber's discovery of a revolutionary technology that turns sawdust and other waste biomass into gasoline, diesel fuel and heating oil could provide a new engine for Springfield's economic growth.

Startup company, Anellotech, which has been granted exclusive global rights to the technology is considering Springfield for its $20 million pilot plant.

Huber, who is a chairman of the company's scientific advisory board, said Anellotech would like to open a plant somewhere in Western Massachusetts, but preferred Springfield.

The plant would involve around 15 to 20 jobs and another 20 to 30 jobs would be created indirectly.

"Huber's new technique has been the most sought-after technology the campus has licensed," said Nick DeCristofaro, director of the UMass Office of Commercial Ventures, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.

We congratulate Huber and other scientists at UMass who are turning their discoveries into practical products that benefit not only the environment, but the region's economy.